This fall, history isn’t just something you read about, it’s something you experience with the lineup of events offered by the Adair County Genealogy Society. From Silent City cemetery walk to the captivating Shot, Stabbed, Hanged and More presentation on historic crimes, there’s something for every history buff.
The monthly Lanterns and Tombstones tours all lead up to the 19th annual Silent City event on Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. at Columbia City Cemetery.
“We have individuals who portray a person in the cemetery,” said Mike Watson. “We try to bring in new persons to talk about each year.”
The Genealogy Society also has a booth at Downtown Days on Saturday, Oct. 11. Staff from the genealogy research center and the society will hand out brochures and speak with anyone interested in learning more about genealogy.
Local photographers can display their best work during the Downtown Days Photo Contest. Entries can be taken to the Adair Genealogy and History Research Center by Oct. 7. Photos must be taken by the entrant and size 8x10. Photos may be of people, places, or things. Each person may submit up to three entries.
“It’s open to anybody with Adair County connections,” said Watson. “The photo must be taken within the county within the last 12 months. We like historical photos, but it can be any subject.”
The photos will be on display at the Adair Genealogy and History Research Center from Oct. 8 – 11. The public can place their vote on their favorite photo. There will be a crowd favorite chosen by public voting. Independent judges will also choose a winner, first and second place.
Adair County homecoming is also in conjunction with Downtown Days.
The genealogy center is open on Friday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. People are welcome to go by and research, meet with family members, and make copies of documents, etc.
“Ancestory.com is available to use free on any computer in the center or the library,” he said.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the Genealogy Society hosts “Shot, Stabbed, Hanged and more” beginning at the annex building at 7 p.m. This is an educational, historical walk back into the wild years of early Columbia, the Civil War, and more. It is not intended for small children, as it can be a bit gory. Parents should use their own discretion.
“Dave Thomas and I – who do Lanterns and Tombstones – we are the ones who walk around. It will be different; we have some new material,” said Watson. “We like to talk about the bank robbery and a couple of other things every year, but we like to bring new stuff too.”
“I always like to say, if it’s raining, we might postpone it. If it’s drizzling, bring an umbrella and come on,” he said. “It’s educational, but it’s also fun.”
On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Adair County Annual Book Fair and Arts and Crafts Show will take place from 10 a.m. to p.m. at Adair County VFW Post located, 500 Green Hills Rd.
“We’ve had book fair for going on 20 years. We’ve kind of expanded it a little bit to arts and crafts,” said Watson. “Vendors will be set up and people just need to let us know if they want to come.”
Any local author, crafter, or artist with original work or handmade items is encouraged to participate. To register for a booth, call the genealogy center at 270-380-1024.
“Targeting the books, but there are at least three artists coming with their artwork. I’ve got two ladies who have handmade things,” he said.
The Adair County Arts Council has a new contest for this year, and the entries will be accepted at the Adair County Genealogical Center during normal business hours any day in October. This is a unique and interesting competition called “You Define It.” Participants will write a definition for the word “cattywampus.”
Creativity is key. The definitions will be displayed at the genealogical center during the month of November. The public can cast their vote for the definition they like the best or that best suits the word. There is a $5 entry fee and the contest is open to Adair County residents only.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
